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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he was not aware
that Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state, asked the late Sani Abacha, a former
military ruler, to spare his life.
Obasanjo spoke on Saturday night at the maiden edition of
the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organised by
the Plateau state government.
His comments were in response to Gowon who had earlier said
that he wrote to Abacha to spare the former president’s life.
Obasanjo described Gowon’s comments as a “revelation” and
thanked him for his efforts to get him out of prison.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon,” he
said.
“Yesterday, he gave us here a revelation and I have to thank
you specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to
thank friends, inside and outside who contributed to appeal and pray for my
release from prison.
“And I went round the world thanking those that have been
appealing and praying for my release from prison.
“I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my
release until you said it yesterday – I thank you for that.”
Obasanjo was one of those arrested by the Abacha regime in
1995 over an alleged coup plot. The former president was released years later after
Abacha’s death in 1998.
In 1999, Obasanjo was elected president of Nigeria on the
platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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